It wasn't easy but Justgottogetthere managed to narrowly get to the finish line before anyone else and take the $9,500 conditioned trot at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday night (May 13) in 1:59.1 over the 'fast' track.
In the co-featured $9,500 fillies and mares conditioned pace, Ontario-sired Ugly Betty continued to dominate the division with another impressive victory. This week, she cruised to a three and a quarter length score over A Cameo In Life in 1:56.3.
The opener saw Justgottogetthere and driver Jim McNeight use their typical tactics, racing to the top and setting the fractions. After posting panels of :29.2, 1:00 and 1:29.4, the duo was prepared to take on challengers in the final quarter-mile. The pocket-sitting Studio City (Ron Beback Jr.) gobbled up ground down the passing lane, but finished in second-place just a head behind the leg-weary but game Justgottogetthere ($5.10). Northern Bullet (Jack Flanigen) had a great chance as well, but drifted out badly in the stretch and settled for third.
The victory was the sixth in 11 appearances this season for Justgottogetthere (Valley Victor-Maras Theme), who has missed the board just once in 2015. The six-year-old gelding is co-owned by Antonietta Landi and the North Creek Racing Stable LLC. The win pushed his seasonal earnings to $35,387 and lifetime bankroll to $173,869.
Ugly Betty (David McNeight III) proved to be the best once again in the co-featured pace for the ladies. She was assigned the outside seven post, was parked the first quarter-mile and that made no difference. Once driver Kevin Cummings got Ugly Betty to the lead, it was a battle for second-place.
After being given a parking ticket by A Cameo In Life (Kevin Cummings) to the quarter marker, Ugly Betty ($6.20) cleared and registered times of :28.4, :58 and 1:27.3. She enjoyed a three-length edge at the top of the stretch and never looked back. A Cameo In Life managed to take the place position while Vla Faire (Wade Tomaszewski) finished third. It was the first pari-mutuel start for Tomaszewski.
Owned by Margaret Payne and Jennifer Falcone, Ugly Betty (Camluck-Red Road Rage) has won seven times in 15 tries in 2015. The seven-year-old mare has now won $39,439 this season and $211,211 in her career. Rex Clabaugh handled the training duties.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)